Woodsman’s Lifestyle

This is Ben’s ‘apprenticeship/training’ scheme which offers 2 places each year to suitable applicants. The scheme has been in continual operation since 1999, with many past apprentices active in working with wood in coppice management and natural building. The process involves working with Ben in the woods and on craft and timber framing projects and being available to assist with his training courses.

The position is for up to 11 months with a minimum of 6 months.

The 2 places have been supported by the charity ‘Woodland Heritage’ who offer training places on their ‘woodland to workshop course’ as part of the process.

Accomodation and a basic food allowance is included.

Application Process:

Apply in writing to Ben Law, Prickly Nut Wood, Lodsworth, West Sussex, GU28 9DR or by e-mail using the contact form below, giving information about yourself and why you would like to take up the position by the 31st July of the year you wish to start. You will be contacted early August to let you know if you have been considered and whether you have been invited to the ‘selection meet’ or not. The selection meet takes place at Prickly Nut Wood during September and lasts for 4 days and gives you a chance to meet Ben and other candidates. During the 4 days you will be engaged in different woodland activities and have a chance to meet previous apprentice(s). Ben will decide on the two candidates by October 1st and the position begins early/mid November at the beginning of the coppice season.

The word woodsman is taken from the latin ‘manus’ meaning hand, hence ‘hand of the wood’ and has no reference to gender, this position is open to men and women.

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Ben Law has been awarded the 2017 Craftsman award from Sussex Heritage Trust for co-ordinating, making and supplying 60,000 chestnut shakes to create the roof of the new ‘gateway building’ at the Weald and Downland museum. This is the largest coppiced timber roof in Great Britain.